Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 from the air in a car driven by a COVID patient with mild illness

AbstractObjective To determine if viable virus could be isolated from the air within a car driven by patient infected with SARS-CoV-2, and to assess size range of infectious particles. Methods We used Sioutas personal cascade impactor sampler (PCIS) screen for SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patient. The patient, who had only mild illness without fever or cough was not wearing mask, drove 15 min conditioning turned on windows closed. PCIS clipped sun-visor above front passenger seat retrieved two hours after completion drive. Results detectable at all stages PCR cultured section collecting particles 0.25–0.50 ?m range. Conclusions Our data highlight potential risk transmission minimally symptomatic persons closed space inside suggest that substantial component is via aerosolized virus.